Fire chiefs helping people Stay Safe and Warm

A winter campaign set up to help people stay safe and warm in their homes is continuing to run as the cold weather persists.

The Stay Safe and Warm campaign, led by Cleveland Fire Brigade, sees a number of agencies working together to give advice and support as well as provide electric heaters, thermal blankets, torches, flasks and fleecy mattress covers to those who are struggling with their heating.

The campaign comes as fire brigades across the country, together with NHS England, Public Health England and the Local Government Asssosciation, have pledged to tackle health and social problems together to try and reduce the number of winter hospital admissions and deaths.

Phil Lancaster, director of community protection at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “It may be March, but we are still in the grip of winter weather with freezing temperatures.

“Anyone who knows of anyone who is struggling to keep warm should get in touch immediately.

“It is just not older people who are vulnerable. There are cases where families with young children cannot afford to put their heating on. We are here to help.”

This year’s Stay Safe and Warm campaign, which started on October 1, has already helped more than 400 people, with 367 heaters, 114 thermal blankets, 37 mattress covers and 13 electric blankets all being provided.

For more information call Stay Safe and Warm any time for free help and advice on 01429 874063.